City Honors Bureau of Emergency Medical Services Personnel
Published on March 10, 2026
Awards Ceremony Held Recognizing EMS Team Members for Efforts at January Ice River Rescue Operation
Pittsburgh, PA – Today, the City of Pittsburgh honored nearly thirty members of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services who courageously responded to the Monongahela River on January 29, 2026 for a complex emergency rescue operation after a vehicle plunged into the icy waters.
That evening, crews arrived on the scene within minutes after dispatch and began an extremely complicated and intricate rescue that combined advanced cardiac life support, technical rope rescue, ice rescue, and dive rescue operations.
The Medal of Valor was presented to Crew Chiefs Eric Capets, Adam Palmer, and Greg Tersine for their personal valor and unusual heroism in saving or attempting to save a life at considerable risk to themselves.
The Meritorious Service Award was bestowed to Crew Chief Jerome Wasek and Paramedic Sam Wilkinson for outstanding acts of service that reflect an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others.
The Rescue Services Award was conferred to Paramedics Jay Elwood, Matt Kurlfink, and Steve Joos for outstanding acts of service that reflect an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others specifically related to rescue services.
The District Chiefs Award was granted to Paramedics Romaine Bendig and Taylor Mahoney for a Bureau crew that demonstrates exemplary prehospital care or rescue services.
The Chiefs Award recognized District Chief Mark Tomassi for his substantial and noteworthy contributions in conjunction with the ideals and the mission statement of the Bureau of EMS.
The Bureau Appreciation Award was commended to Division Chief Mark Pinchalk; District Chiefs Mark Larkin, James Dlutowski, Justin Sypolt and Fred Caprio; Crew Chief Simon Taxel; and Paramedics David Bender, Jon Atkinson, Dan Berg, Josh Lane, Adam Croci, Graham Peterson, and William McHenry for their outstanding professionalism and service to others through their consistent display of exemplary conduct.
Lastly, the Media Award acknowledged District Chiefs Fred Caprio and Justin Sypolt for their efforts in shining a positive light on the everyday work of the Bureau of EMS, while educating the public on EMS as a critical public safety resource.
Congratulations to all the awardees for your dedicated service, devoted hours of completed advanced training, and unwavering commitment. We honor you.
Emily Bourne
Public Information Officer
Department of Public Safety
emily.bourne@pittsburghpa.gov